Built to succeed the SVT Cobra and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Carroll Shelby’s original GT500, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 took pride of place in the Shelby pantheon with 500 supercharged horsepower on tap. Given its muscular styling and incredible performance, the new-generation GT500 marked a true modern-day ‘supercar’ in every possible respect. However, if the GT500 was good, the GT500 KR was even better, with 2008 marking the 40th Anniversary of Shelby’s original “King of the Road.”

The most powerful production Mustang ever produced, the new ‘KR’ was limited to 1,000 units but fierce demand spurred Ford to authorize another year of production. An additional 712 cars were built for 2009, with specifications identical to the 2008 models. The KR's 5.4-litre supercharged V-8 engine produced 540 horsepower – 40 more than the prior GT500 – and featured a short-throw shifter, 3.73:1 rear-end and KR-specific wheels, tires, and suspension tuning, plus a Ford Racing strut-tower brace up front. A special composite hood with racing hold-down pins, plus unique stripes, identification badges, and a special cold-air intake further differentiated the KR. Massive 14-inch vented Brembo front disc brakes were fitted with four-piston aluminum calipers and 11.8-inch, vented discs with dual-piston calipers were mounted at the rear. Other upgrades enhanced aerodynamics maximizing performance. As expected, performance of the GT500KR was – and remains – stunning with 0 – 60 MPH acceleration in 4.3 seconds, braking from 60 MPH to rest in just 112 feet, and the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 114 mph.

Following production at Ford, this 2009 Shelby GT500 KR was diverted to Shelby Automobiles, Inc. in Las Vegas for installation of the ‘KR’ enhancements and then delivered to Zumwalt Ford in Saint Helena, California, for sale. Of the 712 examples of the GT500 KR built for 2009, there were 278 silver, 236 black, 110 red, and 88 blue cars. Handsomely finished in silver, this thrilling example is numbered CSM 09KR0339, denoting it is the 339th of the 712 cars made during the 2009 run. Original paperwork supporting its history includes the Ford (GT500) Window Sticker, Shelby (GT500 KR) Window Sticker, Ford/SVT Certificate of Authenticity, Parts Content Information sticker, and the original selling dealer’s web description for the vehicle, which was offered new at $119,500. A truly rare performer blessed with Shelby’s magic touch, CSM 09KR0339 is a modern legend and a guaranteed collectible.